Knitters team up to help foster youth

Nearly 20 volunteers from United Way’s Women in Philanthropy wrap gifts and stuff stockings for foster children in Sacramento County’s Gifts From The Heart program, as well as emancipated foster youth. Courtesy photo

Nearly 20 volunteers from United Way’s Women in Philanthropy wrap gifts and stuff stockings for foster children in Sacramento County’s Gifts From The Heart program, as well as emancipated foster youth. Courtesy photo

SACRAMENTO — Seventy-five women donated 66 stockings and more than 140 gifts through United Way’s Women in Philanthropy so 116 local foster youth, and those emancipated, would have holiday wishes fulfilled.

Fifty foster youth in Sacramento County’s Gifts From The Heart program received the holiday gifts they requested, and 66 emancipated foster youth at Linkage to Education and Child Abuse Prevention Center received stockings filled with essentials and fun items.

Stockings included hats and scarves hand-knitted by the Senior Knitting Group of El Dorado Hills and blankets handmade by Project Linus.

“This was quite the community effort,” said Lisa Watts, Women in Philanthropy chair. “Thanks to our group, members of the community and two sewing groups, more than a hundred foster youth received beautiful gifts. It really feels like we as a community are wrapping our arms around these kids and helping them realize that they are not forgotten.”

United Way’s Women in Philanthropy brings women together to foster the future, preparing foster youth for a successful adulthood. A dynamic group of businesswomen, homemakers and community leaders, Women in Philanthropy members raise funds, hold drives and provide trainings focused on helping foster youth rise to their dreams.